Why Speak?

Fred E. Miller is an international speaker, coach and author whose books No Sweat Public Speaking! and No Sweat Elevator Speech! are bought internationally and have rave reviews on Amazon.

At the St. Louis Publishers Association meeting on January 13, Miller will answer the question “Why Speak?” Why get up in front of an audience, sometimes filled with “important people” you don’t know — or perhaps, and maybe worse, friends and family — and possibly make a fool of yourself?

Why volunteer to deliver a presentation to bosses and coworkers? This usually puts an extreme amount of pressure, and a huge spotlight, on you!

Why accept an invitation to be on a “Discussion Panel” where you will be sitting with people who may be considered authorities on the subject?

Why offer to be the Master of Ceremonies of an event you know will be well attended and possibly have media coverage?

Why walk to a public microphone and ask a question in front of the entire audience to someone who just delivered a presentation?

Why go to networking events, social functions and seminars where you know someone will ask all in attendance to, “Please stand up and tell us who you are and what you do? Give us your Elevator Speech.”

Here’s Why: We perceive really good speakers as experts. We like to work with experts. Experts command more money for their products and services. The research shows: Speaking opportunities are business, career, and leadership opportunities.

People who take and make those speaking opportunities grow their businesses, advance their careers, and increase their leadership roles.

Authors who speak to civic groups, at association meetings, and other events, present themselves as experts and leaders in their fields. Being “on the program” and “at the lectern,” impresses people. Delivering great presentations increases the credibility of the presenter and their writings. This leads to more book sales and speaking opportunities!

Come see Miller present at the St. Louis Publishers Association meeting at 6:30pm on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at THE HEIGHTS: Richmond Heights Community Center (8001 Dale Ave., Richmond Heights, MO, 63117).